Motion: National Water Commission

The Senate passed a motion from Lee and Senator Nick Xenophon in support of the National Water Commission.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:02): I, and also on behalf of Senator Xenophon, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) water is one of our most important resources and is critical to Australia's economic growth,

(ii) the National Water Commission (the Commission) plays a crucial role in monitoring, auditing and assessing water policy,

(iii) the independence of the Commission is vital to its effectiveness, and

(iv) the 2011 Council of Australian Governments review of the Commission stated that it should continue 'for the lifetime of the NWI' and 'without sunset provision until the NWI is substantially replaced'; and

(b) calls on the Government to reverse its position on the closure of the Commission.